Brave Teacher Rescues Toddler from Burning Car

As further proof that teachers don’t get paid nearly enough, a heroic elementary school teacher recently rescued a toddler from a SUV that had caught fire in the pickup lane at Cameron Ranch Elementary School in Carmichael, CA.

Second grade teacher Elaine Johnson was directing students after school dismissal on Monday, when she noticed that a nearby Toyota 4Runner had suddenly burst into flames. According to reports, the vehicle had ignited after the driver hit a speed bump. Even more terrifying, it was occupied by a parent and two toddlers.

With no thought for her own personal safety, Johnson raced to the car and quickly removed a child while a bystander rescued the others. Meanwhile, other good Samaritans, including a school custodian, put out the blaze with fire extinguishers. Fortunately, everyone involved in the fire escaped injury.

After the incident, the courageous teacher described herself as understandably rattled. “I’m a little shaken. I don’t handle adrenaline very well,” she said. “It was like a movie. You expected it to explode. You expected it to blow up.”